BLACK MOUNTAIN — Several hundred young people from across the Diocese of Charlotte ended the month of April by jumping into the "Ocean of Mercy" at the annual Diocesan Youth Conference.
The 39th annual retreat April 29-May 1 at Ridgecrest Conference Center brought together high school youth for a weekend of workshops led by youth and adults alike, keynote speakers, entertainment, Mass, Adoration and confession.
Throughout the retreat, the youths were encouraged to dive in and share their Christian joy with others – in part by striving for continual conversion of heart, with the Holy Spirit as their guide. There were also talks on a wide range of everyday Catholic topics given by priests and women religious. The event was organized by the diocesan Youth Ministry Office, led by Director Paul Kotlowski, and a group of youth volunteers.
"This year our annual youth conference providentially landed in the middle of the Jubilee of Mercy, an opportune moment to stop and reflect on what impact, if any, has been made on our lives, to recalibrate ourselves for the rest of the year in order to ensure that we embrace God's mercy for ourselves, and boldly offer the corporal and spiritual works of mercy to those around us," Kotlowski said.
Also part of this year's programming was the first Mass in the Extraordinary Form celebrated in the DYC's 39-year history, with principal celebrant Father Matthew Kauth, chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School and rector of the diocese's new St. Joseph College Seminary. Youths also participated in a Eucharistic procession around the retreat grounds, despite rainy weather.
Father Noah Carter, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, was presented with the St. John Paul II Award for exceptional work in the field of youth ministry by clergy.
Caitlin Dibble was given the Bishop Begley Award for outstanding commit-ment to social justice, and Steven Sheppard and Sophie Fleming received the St. Timothy Award for exceptional youth leadership.
— Brandon Berryhill, correspondent. Photos by Brandon Berryhill and Deacon Ruben Tamayo, Catholic News Herald.
